Catering Assistant

Catering Assistant

Leeds Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team as a Catering Assistant, serving customers and ensuring top-notch food presentation.
  • Company: Be part of John Lewis, the UK's largest employee-owned business, dedicated to quality and service.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free meals on workdays and flexible working hours with no late shifts.
  • Why this job: Experience a vibrant work culture while making a difference in customer satisfaction and food quality.
  • Qualifications: Passion for food, attention to detail, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Other info: Apply quickly as roles may close early due to high demand; pre-employment vetting may be required.

About the role

Read all the information about this opportunity carefully, then use the application button below to send your CV and application.
Our Catering Assistants in our John Lewis shops, you\’ll work in either our customer restaurants or behind-the-scenes in our Partner (employee) dining rooms. Wherever you work, you\’ll offer the great customer service we\’re known for. It can be fast-paced but by taking great pride in your food preparation and presentation standards, you\’ll ensure the best possible catering experience. You\’ll also support with other catering related tasks, including stock replenishment and storage of deliveries. Our Catering Partners enjoy free food in our dining rooms on their working days and being based in our shops, there is no split shifts or late evening work.Key Responsibilities – Work as a team to ensure a smooth catering service. – Provide positive customer and Partner interactions with a friendly and welcoming attitude. Being an ambassador for the John Lewis brand at all times. – Follow procedures and instructions using the \’Health and Safety at Work Act\’ and \’Food Safety Act\’ when completing all relevant tasks. – Ensure stock is replenished and available for our customers. – Reduce food wastage by ensuring care and due diligence when rotating food stock. – Act promptly and use your initiative to resolve any issues that arise in the operation. – Maintain personal hygiene standards. Essential skills/experience you\’ll need – Ability to be flexible to work across the whole Catering team and and use your initiative to ensure the smooth running of the operation. – Passion for food. – Keen eye for detail and high standards in food preparation, hygiene and cleanliness. Desirable skills/experience you may have – Ability to work in a fast paced physically demanding environment. – Team Work. – Great customers service. – Experience of working in a kitchen or a catering environment.
About The Partnership
We\’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We\’re not just employees, we\’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there\’s never been a more exciting time to join us.
We\’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.
As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect.
We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we\’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective.
As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.
Important points to note:
It\’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you\’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants.
We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.

AMRT1_UKCT

Catering Assistant employer: John Lewis & Partners

At John Lewis, we pride ourselves on being the largest employee-owned business in the UK, fostering a culture where every Partner is valued and empowered. As a Catering Assistant, you'll enjoy a supportive work environment with no split shifts or late evenings, alongside benefits like free meals during your shifts. We are committed to your growth and well-being, ensuring that you thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to our mission of building a happier world.
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Contact Detail:

John Lewis & Partners Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the John Lewis brand and its values. Understanding their commitment to customer service and quality will help you align your responses during any interviews or conversations with hiring managers.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight any previous experience in catering or food service, even if it's informal. Sharing specific examples of how you've contributed to a team or improved customer experiences can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Demonstrate your passion for food and customer service during any interactions. Whether it’s through your enthusiasm in conversations or by asking insightful questions about the role, showing genuine interest can make a lasting impression.

✨Tip Number 4

Be prepared to discuss how you handle fast-paced environments and teamwork. Think of specific scenarios where you've successfully worked under pressure or collaborated with others, as these are key aspects of the Catering Assistant role.

We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant

Customer Service Skills
Food Preparation Skills
Attention to Detail
Health and Safety Awareness
Food Safety Knowledge
Teamwork
Flexibility
Initiative
Stock Management
Personal Hygiene Standards
Ability to Work in a Fast-Paced Environment
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫑

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and essential skills required for the Catering Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.

Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, particularly in food preparation, customer service, and teamwork. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your passion for food and high standards.

Write a Personalised Cover Letter: Include a cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific aspects of John Lewis that resonate with you, such as their commitment to quality and customer service, and explain why you would be a great fit for the team.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail, which is crucial in a catering environment.

How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis & Partners

✨Show Your Passion for Food

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for food during the interview. Talk about your favourite dishes, any cooking experiences you have, and why you enjoy working in a catering environment. This will demonstrate that you align with the company's values.

✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills

Since the role involves working as part of a team, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in collaborative settings. Share examples of how you've contributed to a team’s success and how you handle challenges together.

✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail

Highlight your keen eye for detail, especially in food preparation and hygiene standards. You might want to mention specific practices you follow to ensure cleanliness and safety in a kitchen environment.

✨Prepare for Customer Interaction Scenarios

Think of examples where you've provided excellent customer service. Be ready to discuss how you would handle difficult situations or complaints, showcasing your friendly and welcoming attitude that aligns with the John Lewis brand.

Catering Assistant
John Lewis & Partners
Location: Leeds
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